You can’t open the door of a passenger jet aircraft when it’s airborne – but apparently you can when a plane is taxiing – and a dramatic video filmed last week shows the passenger reaction when it happens.

Uproar broke out on Frontier Airlines flight 87 departing Cancun in Mexico for St Louis Missouri last week before the plane had even left the ground, when a large man managed to wrench open a cabin door. Exactly how much it opened is unclear, but it was enough to deploy the emergency evacuation slide.

Passengers leapt up to restrain the man.

USA Today said the passenger complained of feeling ill before takeoff, and the plane was taxiing back to the gate, presumably to the man could leave the flight.

On the way back to the gate the passenger became agitated and reportedly became “physically violent” with a flight attendant before trying to leave the aircraft by wrenching open the door.

Another passenger aboard the plane told Fox 2 channel in St Louis that the agitated man. “a large individual” had been banging and kicking the cockpit door before takeoff, but was calmed down and took a seat. He then got up as if he was heading for the plane toilet but “all of a sudden made a left turn and went for the exit door”.

“Crew members, assisted by some passengers, restrained the individual until authorities arrived,” Frontier Airlines said in a statement.

“Officials transported the passenger for a medical evaluation. We understand that unexpected delays are frustrating and work to get our passengers to their destinations as soon as circumstances permit.”

The aircraft was removed from service because of the deployed emergency slide.

Frontier provided hotel accommodation for passengers and rebooked them on other flights.